Death Korps Commissar-General and Ensign
A Death Korps Commissar is a political officer that serves in the Death Korps of Krieg Imperial Guard Regiments that hail from the from the devastated, post-nuclear Death World of Krieg in the Segmentum Tempestus. Like all Commissars, they are tasked with the duty to maintain the morale of the troops during massive campaigns, often in the face of staggering casualties. The Commissar is empowered to use any means necessary to ensure the loyalty and moral purity of his or her charges, and is regarded with a mixture of fear and admiration by regular Guardsmen. Commissars are present in Death Korps regiments as mandated by Departmento Munitorum regulations, being the only non-Krieg natives to serve in the Death Korps. Due to the relatively low rates of infraction and morale problems among Death Korps regiments they more often find themselves employed in reining in any excessive "zeal" on the part of the troops, and act as tactical advisors rather than enforcers of discipline.
Commissars assigned to a Death Korps regiment are often well placed to become a voice of restraint for Death Korps officers, reinforcing the wider strategic goals of the war-zone over the short-term victories through expenditure of men and materiel that might be needed later. In theatres of war where Death Korps regiments must fight alongside other Imperial formations, Commissars attached to Death Korps staff also find it prudent to act as the liaison between regimental commands where needed, as well as keeping a sharp eye that any acrimony between the Death Korps and other Imperial Guardsmen deployed to the same areas does not become a problem. In order to prevent potential difficulties arising, the individual Commissars assigned by the Commissariat to Death Korps regiments have a tendency to be more politically minded than most, and often go on to serve with other troublesome regiments such as feral worlders or forces raised on Ecclesiarchy worlds where fanaticism runs high.
Commissars serving within a Krieg regiment are charged with protecting the regimental banner, the regiment's most precious artefact. These banners serve as a symbol of a regiment's long service to the Emepror, bearing a history of the regiment's many campaigns. Whilst few men in a a Krieg siege regiment have a long life expectancy, the banner will see service in every campaign. Known for their morbid attitude and scant regard for casualties, Krieg regiments often use the skull motif. Within Krieg regiments, they include the officer rank of Ensign. This is a junior officer chosen to carry the regimental or company banner. It is considered a great honour to be chosen and marks the officer as one with the potential to rise to the most senior rank. The rank of Ensign carriers a short term of service, so an officer will not be expected to act as the banner bearer for long before being moved on to a combat command with a frontline platoon or a Death Rider Squadron. An Ensign often accompanies a Commissar wherever he goes on the battlefield, the regimental banner serving as a rallying point and acting as an inspiration to the men and women of the regiment, who must live up to the regiment's former glories.
Wargear
Uniform
Regardless of which regiment a Commissar serves with, his or her uniform remains the same. Whilst no Commissar will have exactly the same uniform and some degree of personalisation is acceptable, all wear the distinctive black dress uniform, black overcoat and tall, high-peaked cap. All Commissars' uniforms must be black. This distinctive uniform marks them out on the battlefield as a figure of authority and inspiration. A senior Commissar, such as a Commissar-General's uniform will often be heavily decorated and braided, as befits their senior rank. Many Commissars frown upon such ostentation and prefer a more puritanical, unadorned appearance. Often, a Commissar's uniform will bear decorations from previous campaigns and postings, as well as for personal bravery. A silver gorget is a mark of long service.
Weapons
Commissars are allowed a wide degree of choice when it comes to the personal weapons they carry. Many expect to lead from the front and carry Power Weapons and Power Fists. When assigned to a regimental headquarters, a Commissar is not expected to lead men in combat, so they usually keep their weaponry to the basics. They often carry a sword and a Laspistol. The laspistol allows the Commissar to carry out his powers of summary discipline. All Commissars are empowered with the ultimate sanction of battlefield execution over those they deem to have failed in their duty. A Commissar's main target will be weak or inadequate officers, but is not restricted to these. Should a Commissar-General feel that it is absolutely necessary, he is also empowered to remove the commanding officer from his post and take over command of the entire regiment.
Sources
- Imperial Armour Volume Five - The Siege of Vraks, Part One, p. 90
- Imperial Armour Volume Six - The Siege of Vraks, Part Two, pp. 38-39